North West 200

Every year, in May, thousands of bikers pass through the south of Scotland to get to Northern Ireland, home of the North West 200.  This year, it begins on 18 May.

It’s s a motorbikerace meeting in Northern Ireland held over a weekend in May annually.  Remarkably, the course runs along public roads, between the towns of Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush. It is the largest sporting event in Ireland.  The event draws over 150,000 visitors from all over the world.^[3] It is the fastest, or one of the fastest road races in the world, with cyclists achieving speeds over 200 mph.  Martin Jessopp holds the fastest speed, at 208 mph.

Other races beyond the North West 200

The Northwest 200 is one of twelve events held between April and October throughout Ireland  Since 1964 the event has been organised by the Coleraine and District Motor Club. In 2010 the meeting featured daytime practice on the Thursday for the first time.^[5]

The 2011 event took place on 21 May. Sadly, there were significant delays because of reports of a bomb.  After that, there was an oil spill on the track which, after just one race,  caused the competition to be cancelled.

For more information, see the North West 200 website.